Bucs Sign TE Finger and Add WR Harris

Jim Flynn

07/23/2001

July 23 – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a step closer to signing all nine of April's draft selections today when they signed seventh-round pick TE Dauntae' Finger to a three-year contract. In addition to signing Finger, Tampa Bay decided to add more depth to their wide receiving unit by signing WR Gerald Harris to a two-year deal.

The Buccaneers are a week away from their first training camp practice, but just because the players are keeping distant from One Buccaneer Place and the football operations, doesn't mean Tampa Bay's front office is doing the same.

Finger, who was the first of three seventh-round picks by the Buccaneers, signed a three-year contract. Tampa Bay now has seven of their nine draft picks under contract. First-round pick LT Kenyatta Walker and fourth-round selection S John Howell are the only two players unsigned.

The Bucs drafted Finger to replace TE Patrick Hape, who left the Tampa Bay for Denver via free agency this offseason. Finger, like Hape, is known and will be relied on for his strong blocking skills.

Harris (5-11, 186) was signed after his NFL Europe campaign this spring, where he hauled in 26 catches for 253 yards for the Amsterdam Admirals.

In college, Harris started two seasons for the Washington Huskies and posted career totals of 68 receptions and 935 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Buccaneers report to training camp on July 29, and will now be brining 13 wide receivers with them.

The signing of Finger and Harris give Tampa Bay a total of 86 players on their roster, 84 of which are under contract. The Buccaneers have the option of heading into camp with as many as 88 players, but eight of those must be 2001 NFLEL players. The Bucs currently have a total of two roster spots open, one of which can be used for an NFLEL exemption player while the other can be used on any free agent.

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